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 Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science |
Breeds of Livestock - South African Mutton Merino
South African Mutton Merino
This unique South African white wooled mutton sheep breed is considered to be a dual purpose breed. Developed from a small nucleus of German Merino sheep, it has adapted to most environmental conditions of South Africa. Bred specifically to produce a slaughter lamb at an early age (35 kg at 100 days of age) but still being able to produce good volumes (4kg) of medium to strong wool. Lambing percentages in excess of 150% are common and the ewes have ample milk to raise the healthy well-grown lambs. The SA Mutton Merino is a polled breed with the rams having mature masses of 100-110 kg (~220-245 lbs) and the ewes having mature masses of 70-80 kg (~155-175 lbs).
Reference:
Select Genes Ltd., PO Box 494, Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa. Phone: -27-12-6671129 Fax: -27-12-6671827
Photographs:
Select Genes Ltd., Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa.
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